1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Equipment
4 of 12 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc. and electrical.
Service brakes
4 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Visibility
2 of 12 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Suspension
2 of 12 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
Purchased 1998 Mercedes Benz sl 600 from mbz san francisco dealership on 4/22/09. Immediately reported excessive and dangerous bouncing of front end. Reported defect dealer took no action.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-29
Vacuum failed resulting in leakage and the check engine light coming on.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-27
Also filed under Power train and service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel system, other
2 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, other, most commonly citing filling/charging.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Equipment: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class?
- The most-reported component is equipment, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.